William Wade (Bill) Moore, 84, passed away on Thursday, December 5th, 2013 at the Groton Regency. He was born in DuBois, PA on May 24, 1929 to Wade Hampton and Pauline Ann (Cobb) Moore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Moore and sister, Marie Engstrom.
After graduating from DuBois high school, Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS New Jersey and during the the Cuban Missle Crisis on the USS Bigelow. While serving, he met and married his loving wife of 63 years, Lois (Waggoner) Moore. They were married on November 3, 1950 at the Western Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. He entered Submarine service in 1963 and served on the USS Sam Houston and the USS Greenling.
He loved baseball and played for the US Navy team. He also was an accomplished artist and sold most of his paintings during leave at art shows in Virginia Beach and Connecticut.
Following retirement with a rate MSC (SS) from the US Navy in 1968, he managed the Chart Room Restaurant in Groton, Ct. In 1974, along with his wife, Lois, he opened his first restaurant, in North Stonington, CT called the Little Whaler. In 1982 they purchased a small farm in Franklin, CT. Renovated the two hundred year old farmhouse and created the 1784 Inn of Franklin. His ability to create his own signature dishes and his warm hearted personality fulfilled his motto, "follow your spirit." During his retirement years, he often volenteered at the Community Meal Center in New London, CT. He was a man of faith, full of life who was big hearted and enjoyed helping others - he was a story teller who thrived on making people feel special. His formers employees admired him greatly. He was also known for his love of the New York Yankees, UCONN basketball and his love for animals, especially his horse Mike and his devoted dog Sherlock.
In addition to his wife Lois, he is survived by his loving sister, Audrey Norris of Glenn Ellen, Il. He is also survived by his daughters, Karen Higgins (T.C. Higgins) of Montville, CT and Dawn Summers (Jay Summers) of Port Saint Lucie, FL; five grandchildren, Ronald Licciardi, Jr. (Karen Licciardi) of Norwich, CT, William Wade Licciardi and Nina Benjamine of Uncasville, CT, Bethany Licciardi of Richmond, VA; Elizabeth Peysakhov of Orlando, FL; three great grandsons, Gregory, Christian and Matthew Benjamine of Uncasville. Many nieces and nephews who admired and loved him dearly.
The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to everyone who loved and care for our loved one: Our Pastor, Reverend James Hensley and The United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry, St. Davids Church of Gales Ferry, The Groton Regency Nursing Home staff, L&M Hospital and The Beacon Hospice. We would like to also express our deepest thanks to our wonderful neighbors, Dana and Cindy Vigue for being both of our parent's guardian angel neighbors.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 10th at the United Methodist Church, 10 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, CT. Burial with military honors will follow at the Avery-Stoddard Cementary - Route 214, Ledyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to The United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry or the Angels Play Foundation, 158 Bucknel Avenue, Woodbridge, N.J. 07095 - honoring the Sandy Hook Children.
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